Garden Club of Malba

The Garden Club of Malba

In 1934 the president of the Woman's Club, Mrs. Charles Moore,
suggested forming a garden club. Thus, the Malba Garden Club was
formed as an affiliation to the Woman's Club. The by-laws were drawn
by Mrs. John Parris who was founder of Federated Garden Clubs and
who also formed The Flushing Garden Club. The aim of the club was
"to promote the art of gardening; to aid in the preserving the natural
flora and to co-operate in beautifying community grounds.

Gardens are such friendly things
They raise much more than flowers
Friendships true and kind and strong
Spring from garden hours

The Garden Club originally held three flower shows a year: the
winter forced bulbs, the summer formal arranging, and the fall show.
The shows were professionally judged and prizes were awarded. Holiday
decorating contests were also held for the most adorned homes in
Malba.

The Garden Club built the small house located on Boulevard and
Malba Drive in the mid 30's. The house was used as a guard house
and a bus stop. It was later dedicated to Rudolph Von Bernuth a
long time resident. The "vest pocket parks" in Malba have been planted
by Garden Club members over the years with evergreens, dogwood trees
and various other horticulture. On November 16, 1969 the Jane Champ
Park located at 11th Avenue and Malba Drive was dedicated.
The park was dedicated to Mrs. Champ who for over 50 years was devoted
to making Malba one of the nicest residential communities in New
York. She was unable to come to the dedication ceremony because
of poor health. The park was a wonderful improvement in the community
and a tribute to a great lady, "The First Lady of Malba".

Past Garden Club Presidents

Mrs. Oliver (Jane) Champ was the first presiding president of the Garden Club

Mrs. Lester Orr

Mrs. Watson Silver

Mrs. William Stickles

Mrs. Lillian Trumbull

Mrs. William Stickles(for 11 years)

Mrs. Harry Wells

Mrs. Carl Bruning

Mrs. Ingram Carner

Mrs. Harry Wells

Mrs. William Ingram

Mrs. John Moreton

Mrs. Irene MacDonell

Mrs. Theodore Buchter

Mrs. George Wiley

Mrs. Salvatore Lodico

Mrs. Bernice Krongard

Mrs. B.J. Cavallacci

Mrs. Charlotte Leff

Mrs. Pauline Panvini

Mrs. Stephanie Ryan

Mrs. Tessie Tsoutsouras

Mrs. Harriet Kupferberg

Mrs. Lucy Melnicki

Mrs. Elaine Manhart

Mrs. Charlotte Leff

Mrs. Carol Ricatto

Mrs. Marilyn (Mickie) Roth

The Garden Club sponsors field trips to botanical gardens, flower
arranging lectures and shows, designer showcase exhibits, authors
luncheons, invites guest speakers on the environment and composting
and has two formal luncheons at Christmas and the end of the year.
All members receive The Long Island Gardner published quarterly
by the Second District, Federated Garden Clubs of NYS, Inc. which
updates activities of other clubs and districts. In 1996 Sandra
Kyriakoudes, sponsored by the Garden Club, became the winner of
The Long Island Gardner's NYS High School essay contest:
"Nature's Jewels Make Our Planet Sparkle."

The Club has extended its membership beyond the Malba borders and
welcomes anyone interested in flowers and gardening. Dues are $50
a year and may be sent to treasurer Florence Mottola at 34 Center
Drive, Malba, NY 11357. The club is a supporting member of the Queens Botanical
Garden Society, The American Land Trust and belongs to The Second
District Members of the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State.

The Garden Club meets once a month on the first Tuesday of each
month at prearranged members homes at 10:30 AM. New members are
welcomed.